The bald eagle nesting pair, "Independence" and "Franklin", both disabled and "non-releasable" birds, are cared for by the AEF at its United States Eagle Center in Pigeon Forge. The AEF cares for about 80 birds of prey daily, including the world's largest collection of "non-releasable" bald eagles. These birds are non-releasable due to permanent physical disabilities or accidental imprinting on humans.
Many of the eagles residing at the facility have successfully reproduced while in AEF's care. In fact, the AEF also operates the largest Bald Eagle breeding facility in the world, and have released dozens of captive-hatched eaglets into the Great Smoky Mountains area, Tennessee and other places.
The parents of the newest eaglets at the center have already produced numerous young during previous breeding seasons, which have all been successfully released into the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Below is a Youtube video of the first two eaglet hatchlings that were born early Monday morning:
You can also watch a "live" video feed, streamed on-line 24/7, of the new family by clicking here.
Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com
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